China Files WTO Challenge of New Set of Section 301 Tariffs on $16 Billion in Goods

China began a World Trade Organization challenge of 25 percent Section 301 tariffs on a second group of $16 billion in Chinese goods that began Aug. 23, the WTO said in a news release. China requested consultations with the U.S. on Aug. 23, saying the measures violate WTO rules by imposing higher tariffs on China than on other countries, exceeding U.S.-agreed bound rates and retaliating against China without first filing a WTO dispute. Under WTO rules, China may request the formation of a panel to adjudicate the case if consultations don’t resolve the dispute after 60 days. China has already filed a challenge of the first group of $34 billion in goods subject to Section 301 tariffs since July 6 (see 1807060012), as well as proposed tariffs on a third group of $200 billion in Chinese goods (see 1807160046).